Although Michigan is shivering through unseasonably cold weather, Tigers fans can take comfort in knowing that players and prospects are keeping their skills sharp in much warmer climes.

The Tigers have activated a pair of Aussie players to get some work in the final month of the Australian Baseball League regular season. Detroit reliever Warwick Saupold made his ABL season debut Thursday for his hometown Perth Heat. Saupold worked two-thirds of an inning against the Adelaide Bite, successfully retiring both hitters he faced. He has participated with the Heat every winter since the ABL's inaugural 2010-11 season, playing on four championship teams along the way.

Class A third baseman Zac Shepherd has been activated to his hometown Sydney Blue Sox and awaits his season debut. This marks the fifth ABL season for Shepherd, but the 22-year-old hit a snag last winter, slashing .143/.341/.254 with 27 strikeouts in 20 games for the Blue Sox.

Meantime, Rookie...

SALE: Free trial and 30% off

Try The Athletic free for a week to get access to this article and more smart, in-depth coverage. Read and support quality journalism with this limited-time offer.